Rillie learning new roster capabilities

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Perth head coach John Rillie believes the Wildcats' pre-season preparations will offer him an insight into the minds of his players.

Photo: Michael Farnell

The Perth Wildcats’ approach to their NBL24 pre-season is different to say the least, and head coach John Rillie believes the wide variety of situations his team will find itself in will show him plenty about each of his player’s mindsets.

The Wildcats are heading to Las Vegas to play against the NBA G-League Ignite. Their official preparation so far prior to their traipse to the United States has been a pair of games against an NBL1 West Select Team in Rockingham and Warwick.

Some of the world’s best young talent will be on show when the Wildcats face the G-League Ignite next week.

Top-two touted prospects Mataz Buzelis and Ron Holland will be on show for the home side, while Next Star and Overtime Elite graduate Alexandre Sarr will hit the floor with emerging local stars Ben Henshall and Dontae Russo-Nance.

“The reason we are doing some of this is because I get to see how guys react in certain situations,” Rillie told The West Australian.

“Some guys will embrace it and make the most of it, other guys will be looking into the crowd and worrying about who is whatching.

“If they’re playing in front of 14,000 at RAC Arena, I know what to expect if they’re getting nervous about an NBA scout in the crowd.

“Whether we’re playing NBL1 West [Select] or the NBA champions, our approach is always going to be the same.”